The world is a crazy place these days. So much evil, so much strife, so many natural disasters.

According to a Pew Research Center survey, 39 percent of adults in the United States believe we are living in the end times as prophesied in the Bible. Among Christians, 47 percent believe it.

But are we?

I don’t know. And no one else does, either.

However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. (Matthew 24:36, NLT)

But here’s the more important question:

If we are in the end times, does it matter?

Will it change anything about the way you live?

We’ve probably all been a part of conversations based on the theoretical question: If you knew the world was going to end tomorrow, what would you do differently today?

A variation on that is: If you knew you were going to die tomorrow, what would you do differently today?

But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment. (2 Peter 3:10)

If the end of the world or the end of your life tomorrow would make a significant difference in what you would do today, you need to take a serious look at what you’re doing and how you’re living.

Jesus may return tomorrow. Or next year. Or he might not return for thousands of years.

He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know.” (Acts 1:7, NLT)

While the Bible includes details of what that time will be like, it’s also clear that we are not to know when it’s going to be.

You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected. (Matthew 24:44, NLT)

Scripture is specific: We are not to spend our time speculating about when Jesus will return. We are to live each day prepared for it to happen—and prepared for it to not happen.

Throughout recorded history, people have been able to point to certain events as foreshadowing the end times. And yet, we’re still here—not because of a flaw in the prophesies, but because of God’s timing.

But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. (2 Peter 3:8, NLT)

Yes, the world is a crazy place these days, full of evil, strife, and natural disasters. But it’s always been that way. And it’s also full of good, of love and service, of daily miracles and joy.

If knowing Jesus’ return is imminent would cause you to make positive changes in your life, make those changes now. Your life will be better for it, no matter how much time you have.

Jacquelyn Lynn
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